Construction

Microsoft data center in Iowa will cost $1.1B

The state's central location makes it a data center hot spot: Google plans to expand its Iowa data center and Facebook is building one that should open early next year.

By KOURTNEY LIEPELTAssociated Press

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Microsoft will begin construction on a new data center in West Des Moines, state and local officials announced Friday, bringing the company's total investment in Iowa to nearly $2 billion, the largest in the state to date.

Gov. Terry Branstad joined with local officials to announce Microsoft's so-called “Project Alluvion,” which is expected to total more than $1.1 billion and create more than 80 full-time jobs. West Des Moines Mayor Steve Gaer said construction will happen over the next four or five years.